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Writer's pictureLorenz Esposito

How to Pressure Wash a Brick House

North Carolina has been a historic center of brickmaking in the United States since the early 1700s. Brick is durable and well-suited to the state’s varied climate. It provides insulation against cold winters and hot, humid summers, making brick houses a popular choice for family homes and residences.


Maintaining the exterior of a brick home, whether old or new, is crucial. Regular cleaning and upkeep help preserve its appearance, protect against damage and maintain your property value. Learn how to pressure wash a brick house and how professional pressure washing services can help keep your home in top condition.


Service Pros employee pressure washing brick building

Why Brick Cleaning is Essential

Regular cleaning of brick surfaces helps maintain their strength and visual appeal. While brick requires less upkeep than other materials, it still needs periodic cleaning to prevent dirt, oil and grease from causing damage such as cracks. 


Without regular cleaning, harmful contaminants like algae, mold and mildew can develop, detracting from the appearance of your home. These toxins can also pose health risks to your family or visitors, such as allergies or respiratory issues. 


To ensure the longevity and beauty of brick exteriors, plan to give them a deep clean at least once or twice a year.


How to Pressure Wash a Brick House

Pressure washing a brick house is an effective way to maintain its appearance and prevent damage from environmental elements. Here are the general steps to properly pressure wash a brick house:


  • Inspect the brickwork. Before starting, check for any damaged bricks or mortar that might be further harmed by high-pressure water.


  • Choose the right pressure washer and nozzle. To avoid eroding the mortar, use a washer with adjustable pressure settings and a wide-angle spray nozzle.


  • Prepare the area. Remove any furniture, decorations or obstacles from the area and cover nearby plants and windows to protect them from water damage.


  • Apply detergent. Use a detergent designed for brick surfaces, applying it from the bottom up to prevent streaks. These detergents typically contain mildewcides and surfactants to effectively remove buildup and biological growth without damaging the brick.


  • Start washing. Begin at the lower part of the house and gently spray in a sweeping motion, working your way up to avoid dripping on cleaned areas.


  • Rinse thoroughly. After washing, thoroughly rinse the brick to remove any detergent residue, working from top to bottom.


  • Inspect and touch up. After the bricks dry, inspect the area for missed spots and gently wash them as needed.


Professional Power Cleaning Services

While many homeowners rely on DIY pressure washing, using the wrong settings, pressure or cleaning solution can potentially damage or degrade your home. Using a property maintenance service from The Service Pros can ensure professional-grade cleaning and washing that keeps your home in top shape. 


At The Service Pros, our team has the experience and top-of-the-line equipment to clean your brick house as efficiently as possible without risk to your residence. We’ll begin the process by assessing the age and condition of your brick walls to determine the best cleaning method. 


  • Power washing. Our power washing service uses hot water, high pressure and effective cleaning solutions. The heated water helps remove tough stains and debris. However, we reserve this method for newer brick walls that can withstand higher pressure without damage.


  • Pressure washing. This method is similar to power washing but does not use hot water. It is ideal for older brick homes since its gentler approach preserves the integrity of aged bricks and mortar.


  • Low-pressure soft-washing. We have specially formulated chemical solutions for low-pressure washing, perfect for delicate bricks and grout. This soft-washing technique ensures thorough cleaning without any risk of damage.


Our Cleaning Procedure, Step-By-Step

Washing brick surfaces requires following a specific procedure to avoid overspray or introducing damage to your home’s interior. Our team achieves high-quality results by taking the following steps:


  • Preparation. Before starting, we secure or cover outdoor furniture, decorations, vehicles, power outlets and other vulnerable items to minimize water overspray and protect your property.


  • Inspection. Our team inspects your brick for any signs of damage, cracks or weak mortar. Based on the brick’s age and condition, we choose the appropriate cleaning method. We use full power washing for newer, sturdier walls and gentler, low-pressure techniques for older or more delicate structures.


  • Spraying and washing. We adjust our nozzles and select cleaning solutions tailored to the specific stains on your walls, ranging from light contaminants like soot and algae to tougher substances like mold, mildew and oil.


  • Rinsing and scrubbing. After applying the cleaning solution, we rinse the bricks with water jets, adjusting the pressure between 500 and 1,000 PSI depending on the brick’s condition. For thorough cleaning, we may manually scrub the surfaces to ensure all grime is removed.


Contact The Service Pros Today

The best way to ensure your brick house receives the cleaning and maintenance it needs is to let the pros do it. Contact The Service Pros and request power washing services for your property in North Carolina. We have offices in Holly Springs, Dunn and other locations throughout the state.


Contact us to schedule a pressure washing service today.

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